Hi all,
I'm looking for something to replace my WDTV Live Plus since it runs so slow.
Ideally I'd like one small box that can double as a 1 or 2 drive NAS (3.5") and also be powerful enough to play 1080p media files.
Here are my requirements and requests:
MUST
- be low power since it will be on all the time, prefer around 20w or less
- be inexpensive, without the storage should cost < $300, preferrably < $200.
- be able to play netflix
- be powerful enough to play 1080p
- be network connected to act as a NAS
- be able to house at least 1 3.5" drive
- cpu should run whatever UI I go with (xbmc, etc) very snappily. I can't stand how slow my WDTV is
- have HDMI outputs
- at least 1 USB port (prefer 3.0, but 2.0 could be ok)
Would really like, but not required:
- USB 3.0 ports
- Ability to play 4k res stuff in the future (this is probably the dealbreaker)
What's my best option right now? I was looking at the ultra low power processors like the ivy bridge celeron 1037u, the bay trail chips, and the newer haswell celerons, all of which run around 5-15w. However, since they are all mostly BGA, I'm not sure how many are actually available to purchase.
Any existing HTPC or NAS solutions that might already handle this? Give up and try to build my own with mini-ITX?
I saw the NUC's with the 1037u, but the drive would have to be mounted externally, and they tend to be quite pricey. Something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856164005 is already $150, not including RAM or storage (plus no room to fit a 3.5" drive in the case).
Any suggestions?
I'm looking for something to replace my WDTV Live Plus since it runs so slow.
Ideally I'd like one small box that can double as a 1 or 2 drive NAS (3.5") and also be powerful enough to play 1080p media files.
Here are my requirements and requests:
MUST
- be low power since it will be on all the time, prefer around 20w or less
- be inexpensive, without the storage should cost < $300, preferrably < $200.
- be able to play netflix
- be powerful enough to play 1080p
- be network connected to act as a NAS
- be able to house at least 1 3.5" drive
- cpu should run whatever UI I go with (xbmc, etc) very snappily. I can't stand how slow my WDTV is
- have HDMI outputs
- at least 1 USB port (prefer 3.0, but 2.0 could be ok)
Would really like, but not required:
- USB 3.0 ports
- Ability to play 4k res stuff in the future (this is probably the dealbreaker)
What's my best option right now? I was looking at the ultra low power processors like the ivy bridge celeron 1037u, the bay trail chips, and the newer haswell celerons, all of which run around 5-15w. However, since they are all mostly BGA, I'm not sure how many are actually available to purchase.
Any existing HTPC or NAS solutions that might already handle this? Give up and try to build my own with mini-ITX?
I saw the NUC's with the 1037u, but the drive would have to be mounted externally, and they tend to be quite pricey. Something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856164005 is already $150, not including RAM or storage (plus no room to fit a 3.5" drive in the case).
Any suggestions?